New Jersey State Legislature 2023 Election Results
On November 7, 2023, voters across New Jersey headed to the polls to determine the composition of the state's legislative body. These elections were particularly significant as they marked the first cycle following the redistricting—the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries—based on the 2020 United States census.
The elections covered both chambers of the state legislature: the New Jersey Senate and the New Jersey General Assembly. The results solidified the current political landscape, with the Democratic Party maintaining control in both houses while shifting the balance of power in several key districts.
Key Facts
- Election Date: November 7, 2023.
- Senate Outcome: Democrats maintained a majority with 24 seats; Republicans hold 16.
- Assembly Outcome: Democrats expanded their majority, winning 52 seats compared to 28 for Republicans.
- Senate Leadership: Nicholas Scutari continues as Senate President.
- Assembly Leadership: Craig Coughlin continues as Speaker of the General Assembly.
- Census Impact: This was the first election held after the 2020 census redistricting.
New Jersey State Senate
The New Jersey Senate consists of 40 seats, requiring 21 for a majority. Senators are elected to four-year terms. In the 2023 cycle, the Democratic Party secured 24 seats, while the Republican Party secured 16.
The Democratic Party successfully flipped the third district. Conversely, the Republican Party regained the twelfth district, which had previously been held by a Republican who had switched party affiliation to the Democratic Party.
Nicholas Scutari, representing the 22nd district (Linden), remains the Senate President. The minority party is led by Anthony M. Bucco of the 25th district (Boonton Twp.), who has served as leader since July 1, 2023.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Senate Voting Statistics
The popular vote for the Senate saw 922,977 votes (54.2%) for Democratic candidates and 772,680 votes (45.4%) for Republican candidates.
New Jersey General Assembly
The General Assembly is the lower house of the legislature, consisting of 80 seats. Each legislative district elects two Assembly members to two-year terms. A majority requires 41 seats.
Democrats significantly expanded their majority in this chamber, increasing their seat count from 46 to 52. This growth was driven by picking up both seats in the 3rd and 11th districts, as well as one seat each in the 8th and 30th districts.
Craig Coughlin, representing the 19th district (Woodbridge), continues his tenure as Speaker. The minority Republicans are led by John DiMaio of the 23rd district (Hackettstown), who has been leader since January 11, 2022.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Assembly Voting Statistics
With a registered voter base of 6,459,097, the turnout for the Assembly was 27%. The popular vote resulted in 1,804,115 votes (53.2%) for Democrats and 1,575,074 votes (46.4%) for Republicans.
Legislative Summary Table
| Feature | State Senate | General Assembly |
|---|---|---|
| Total Seats | 40 | 80 |
| Majority Party | Democratic (24 seats) | Democratic (52 seats) |
| Minority Party | Republican (16 seats) | Republican (28 seats) |
| Term Length | 4 Years | 2 Years |
| Presiding Officer | Nicholas Scutari | Craig Coughlin |
| Popular Vote % (Dem/Rep) | 54.2% / 45.4% | 53.2% / 46.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
When were the winners of the 2023 elections sworn in?
The winners of the November 7, 2023, elections were sworn into office on January 9, 2024.
How did redistricting affect these elections?
These were the first elections held after the redistricting process that followed the 2020 United States census, which altered the boundaries of the legislative districts.
Which districts changed party control in the Senate?
The Democratic Party flipped the 3rd district, while the Republican Party picked up the 12th district.
How did the Democrats expand their majority in the General Assembly?
Democrats gained both seats in the 3rd and 11th districts, and one seat each in the 8th and 30th districts, increasing their total to 52 seats.
What is the difference in term lengths between the Senate and the Assembly?
New Jersey State Senators are elected to four-year terms, whereas members of the General Assembly are elected to two-year terms.